Kremlin.ru
Russian and Turkish leaders Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave the go-ahead signal for construction of nuclear power plant Akkuyu by video-conference, TASS reports.
Akkuyu is to become the first nuclear power plant in Turkey. Its four blocks will be constructed in the Mersin Province at the Mediterranean Sea. According to Vladimir Putin, people of this region in Turkey are going to witness the newest technologies in action and understand what modern workplaces mean. He is sure that after the construction is complete, the performance of this innovational plant will affect the whole country.
The head of state has also thanked the Turkish authorities for their decision to grant this large-scale project status of the strategic investment. Putin is sure that this would enable to save around 10 billion US dollars as it implies policy of easing the tax burden and some other allowances. Total cost of the construction reaches 20 billion dollars.
Russian President has also expressed hope that he would be present together with Erdogan at the ceremony of launching the power plant in 2023.
Putin has underlined that Russia would assist Turkey in preparation of professional staff for maintaining the plant. At present, more than 200 students from Turkey study in Russian universities at the departments related to the nuclear power. Besides, 35 people have already graduated from MEPhI, one of the leading universities in the world in the field of the nuclear power. The graduates were proposed to work in Akkuyu project company.
Russkiy Mir
